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Police seek serial armed robber
The man has held up five businesses in recent weeks, say police, who fear he might become violent.
By SHANNON COLAVECCIO-VAN SICKLER
Published December 21, 2005
TAMPA - Police last week issued surveillance footage of a man suspected in three armed robberies committed in as many days, hoping the attention would help detectives catch him.
But investigators say they still don't know who the man is, and he continues to rob gas stations and convenience stores.
The latest robberies occurred Sunday and Monday at a convenience store and a gas station, said Tampa police spokesman Joe Durkin.
The Suncoast Groceries, 3401 N 22nd Street was hit Sunday; and Monday the robber struck at the BP Gas Station at 3401 E Lake Ave.
In all five robberies, the suspect entered the store with a brown paper bag over his right hand and told the clerks he was armed with a handgun. He fled with whatever money the clerks handed over, Durkin said.
After the Dec. 11 robbery of Caribbean Market, 3905 N 15th St., the suspect left on a bicycle. A witness followed, but stopped pursuing the man after seeing what looked like a handgun in the suspect's waistband, according to police.
Detectives worry that the potential for violence escalates each time the robber strikes.
The robber is described as a black male between 28 and 32 years old with short dreads and possibly a goatee. He stands 5-foot-11 and weighs about 160 pounds, witnesses said.
Anyone with information can call Tampa police robbery detectives at (813) 276-3567. Or call CrimeStoppers at (800) 873-8477.
[Last modified December 21, 2005, 13:16:39]
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